Our Ensembles

YWCP Ensembles

YWCP offers three levels of choral experience. Each level has its own curriculum and musical objectives. Based upon an audition, a singer will be placed in a level appropriate for her age, vocal maturity and music reading ability. The grade levels are approximate markers, and some flexibility is given to certain situations. All YWCP ensembles teach young women substantial music skills, vocal technique and the joy of performing, as well as instill in her important life benefits such as confidence, focus, self-discipline, problem solving, responsibility and compassion. A singer who begins in YWCP’s first level (Prelude) may be promoted to the second level (Allegro) based upon her musical growth during the year. Acceptance into the highest level, YWC, requires a successful audition in which the singer demonstrates readiness for learning challenging repertoire, and performing with advanced vocal skill and professionalism.

Beginning Division: Prelude Chorus

- For young women in grades 2 – 6- Meets twice a week Wednesdays and Sundays from 4 – 6pm- No previous music training needed

Through a Kodály music curriculum, choristers learn basic vocal techniques, sight- reading and performance skills. They sing unison and two-part repertoire in many languages and present 2-4 public performances yearly.

Intermediate Division: Allegro Chorus

- For young women in grades 4-8- Meets twice a week, Wednesdays and Sundays from 4 – 6pm- Some prior music skills are needed, such as good pitch and a solid understanding of music notation

Through a Kodály music curriculum, choristers learn treble clef note names and basic rhythms, as well as a free vocal production. Allegro choristers study more advanced sight-reading, music theory, ear training, vocal technique, and performance skills. They need to be focused to learn to sing in two- and three-part harmony with repertoire in many styles and languages. This ensemble performs 4 times a year.

Intermediate-Advanced Division: Vivo Chorus

- For young women in grades 6-12- Meets twice a week, Wednesdays from 6-8:30pm and Sundays from 3-6pm- Prior music skills are needed such as the ability to sight read a melody in a major key, demonstrate a free vocal production, and a solid understanding of music notation.

Vivo Chorus is the most advanced level of YWCP’s training program. Here choristers learn advanced sight-singing skills, and study more complex music theory and ear training. In Vivo Chorus, the singers continue to develop their vocal skills to produce a free, strong, resonant voice, and occasionally have the opportunity for group and private voice lessons with a professional teacher within the rehearsal. They perform 4-6 times a year, show a strong commitment to the group, and represent YWCP in some outside bookings.

Advanced Division: Young Women’s Chorus of San Francisco (YWC)

- For young women in grades 7-12- Meets twice a week, Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm and Sundays 3-6pm- Once a month the Sunday afternoon rehearsal begins at 1:30 p.m. to accommodate extra time for sectionals

The Young Women’s Chorus is YWCP’s premiere performing ensemble and is comprised of singers who exhibit excellent vocal technique and exceptional musicianship skills. YWC sings challenging choral music for women’s voices, emphasizing classical compositions from all eras, and including world music, jazz and Broadway selections. All members of YWC take voice lessons from a professional voice teacher in small classes every other week. Led by Artistic Director, Dr. Susan McMane, the YWC presents an annual concert series in the San Francisco Bay Area, tours nationally and internationally every year, and appears with renowned guest artists. YWC sings 10-15 concerts per season.